Fighting between a much smaller ASG band took started between 9:00-10:00 a.m. and lasted until 3:00 p.m.

No losses were incurred by government forces in this clash, he added.

Padilla said that they are waiting for reports from the WMC to determine whether the bodies of the slain ASGs were recovered and the exact number of wounded bandits.

Operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

With these, the number of slain ASG brigands since April 9 has now climbed to 18, Padilla said.

On the same day, 18 government troopers were killed and another 53 wounded in a more than nine-hour clash with the brigands.

Padilla said initial benefits to be received by families of the slain troopers include six months worth of payment depending on their salary grades; PHP50,000 worth cash assistance coming from their Mutual Benefits Association, Inc.; scholarships for their children; and another PHP100,000 coming from various organizations.

While soldiers wounded slightly in the battle will receive PHP50,000 while those critical hurt will get PHP100,000.